#astarion’s tenderness??? 😭😭😭

[silens-oro]

Got Baldur’s Gate 3 for Astarion

My cooch has become bewitched by Halsin

Now I’m sandwiched between the two and I never want to leave this universe

[suitetarts]

astarion being taught how to feel and express love from a pure blood bhaalspawn with half a brain is truly the dictionary definition of toxic. neither of them know how to do this. they're both torn raw from their pasts and full of self-loathing, but are capable of being tender and understanding for each other. like. fuck man

[feytouched]

"Honestly, I have no idea what we're doing, or what comes next. But I know that this... This is nice."

[astarioffsimpmain]

🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺❤️🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

Comfortable

Summary: Astarion walks in on you in a rather compromising situation. Naturally, he offers to help, but then you ask him to promise you something that he was not expecting…

Pairing: Astarion x female!Tav

Warnings: 18+. Astarion's POV. Fluff. Aftercare. Oral sex. Pillow humping. Innuendo. Mentions of masturbation.

Word count: 3.3k

It's a wavering sequence of whimpers that catches Astarion's attention just as he arrives at camp after a late night hunt.

The blood on non thinking creatures seldom presents itself as a decent meal, but he finds it unfair to depend exclusively on you.

The boars in the outskirts of Baldur's Gate are delectable enough to blind his hunger for a few hours – maybe a full day, if need be.

The camp seems peaceful and quiet with everyone still catching some rest after in their respective tents, and as the pale moon glows up high in the dark blue sky, he notices the dawn isn't breaking for at least a few more hours.

Maybe he can indulge in a trance to ease his mind and body after feeding, even though it's not a dire necessity.

But it seems that the night has other plans reserved for him.

His steps are light and sure, following the crescendo of sounds that seems to come from near his tent.

He would recognise that voice anywhere.

You.

As he draws near, trying to make out the origin of said whimpers, he vaguely wonders if you're having a dream.

That is the most reasonable explanation.

But then he hears what resembles a muffled groan.

A nightmare?

Instinctively, an eyebrow quirks as he approaches your tent.

And then he freezes.

Even through the obvious failed attempt at reining yourself in, he knows exactly what he heard.

His name. Muffled and barely intelligible, but his name, nonetheless.

An amused smile tugs at his lips as it dawns on him that you are indeed pleasuring yourself. Risky and unexpected, but beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Cheeky…

He could simply entertain this, and leave it to you to reach your peak on your own.

Unfortunately for him, he has just fed.

And unfortunately for you, he has every intention of interrupting your solo endeavour.

His usual cool body now flooded with the warmth and vigour that make it extremely easy not to succumb to your sweet and melodic whimpers.

As such, he tugs at the strings that hold both flaps together, successfully drawing a surprised gasp from you.

“You scared me!” 

He finds you propped up on one elbow before rushing to sit and pulling a blanket to cover yourself, a mortified look splattered across your face.

The sight in front of him is enough for the recently drunk blood to rush downwards at record speed. 

Predictable, but such is the nature of his body when it comes to you.

Flustered and quickened breaths. His senses are so sharp from the recent blood intake, that he can hear your heartbeat drumming fast in your chest.

By now, he knows you well enough.

So well, that he's sure he has just interrupted your climax.

The confirmation comes in the form of a low growl of frustration.

He almost feels sorry for you, but what crosses his mind is the offer of a moment of pleasure so great only he can provide.

“You were close.”

It isn't a question and he doesn't expect an answer.

But you're so visibly irritated that you scowl deeply. “Yes! Yes, I was. Thank you so much for interrupting.”

“My pleasure,” he retorts, knowing fully well he's about to set off a bomb if he doesn't choose his words carefully.

You have a temper he adores to test. He's used to dancing to your tune and knows exactly which strings to pull to get you riled up in ways that often lead to very enjoyable outcomes.

His cock welcomes your huff of annoyance with a faint twitch.

“Why didn’t you just… wait…” you almost cry out in sheer frustration.

He lets out a taunting laugh. “What, and miss out on all of the fun, darling?”

A dramatic pout settles your lips and it takes all of his self-control not to wipe it off your face with a kiss in an instant.

“How many did you take this time?”

It is a glaring taunt.

And your mouth drops open.

Maybe he should have eased his way in, considering the current predicament.

But the way your body is all flustered and heated from your own touch is enough to flare desire inside him. And whenever desire begins to swell inside him, the fine line between reason and pleasure begins to blur. 

Mostly because he knows he was the one on your mind when you had your fingers deep inside you.

Your eyes widen slowly, and you clutch the blanket closer to your lower half, still hiding the proof of your arousal from his prying eyes.

You don't reply at first, your pride keeping you silent.

But Astarion doesn't mind. In fact, he enjoys your resistance at first. Makes it all the more enjoyable when you finally give in.

“How many, darling?”

You frown, averting your eyes.

So stubborn…

His cock adores it.

“How many?” his tone is firmer this time and you slowly meet his eyes again.

“... two.”

He clicks his tongue, crouching before you. “Oh, darling…” 

Two fingers are not nearly enough to provide the fullness and stretch that only his cock can. But he appreciates your effort nonetheless.

It's quite adorable and enough to have his cock hardening even more.

Your fingers still glisten in the faint candlelight and he feels the sudden urge to have them in his mouth. He never tires of tasting you in more ways than one.

“You do not need to hide from me,” he says tenderly, but still not moving an inch. He wants you to feel comfortable enough under his gaze. “You've bared yourself to me many times, love.”

Still, you don't let go of the fabric, a slash of defiance crossing your face. “You took too long.”

Ah. “Did you miss me?”

You bite your lip, face softening as you nod twice.

And you were so desperate for him that you just couldn't wait?

Gods.

His cock stirs even more against his trousers at the silent realisation.

“And I am here now,” he says, dropping to his knees, as a wicked smile turns his lips. “So, allow me.”

He reaches out with his hand to tug at the fabric, silently looking for your permission.

A shaky sigh parts your lips and he spots a shiver as he pulls the blanket that keeps you from him.

His eyes drop to the sweet spot between your legs and he almost regrets having interrupted you.

Almost.

Your clit is so swollen it deliciously peeks from between your folds, parting them gently. It throbs faintly as he catches your clenching a few times, wetness dripping out.

After a moment, he manages to tear his gaze away, ignoring the twitches of protest from his cock.

He finds your half-hooded eyes. “May I?”

You hesitate at first, nearly pressing your thighs together, but he stops you with both hands on your knees, a reassuring grip that has you slowly but surely loosen up under his touch.

“You don't have to…”

No, he doesn't.

But he wants to.

In fact, he thinks he needs to.

He rubs circles along your flushed skin, wanting your full attention on him before he speaks, “I appreciate the concern, darling, but I'm impossibly hard and you look incredibly delectable.”

It's more than enough to have you yearning for more, as a surprise gasp parts your lips.

You finally nod, spreading your legs and leaning back as you settle on your elbows.

He offers a sly grin, lowering and positioning himself right where he craves to be.

But not before he eases some of the growing tension on his lower half. The blood coursing through his body is more of an inconvenience for now, and he's sure, under different circumstances, he'd have better control over this.

Or maybe not.

Maybe you're just that good for him.

You jerk slightly when his mouth draws near your slick folds.

“Wait.”

And he does, his concentration slightly shaken as he promptly scans your face for any cause for alarm.

“Just… don't leave afterwards.”

Don't leave–

Astarion's lips are so close to your clit, he has to pull back slightly so he can have a proper look at you, his hardened cock still straining against his undergarments.

“What do you mean?” he asks, perplexed. 

There is hesitance in your eyes. “You tend to leave after… like you don't want to be here with me.”

That sounds like a whiplash to him, because it is not true at all.

Your words take him by surprise  and he immediately worries he may have said or done something that could be interpreted as mixed signals.

“Darling, I–”

But you immediately shake your head. “If you can stay after… I'd appreciate it. Only you want to, of course,” you quickly add. “It doesn't feel right otherwise…”

It isn't a request. Nor a plea.

It's just what feels right.

He's done this many times to the point of instinct. It comes natural to him to please others. The aftermath, though, is something that he's also used to forgoing. The mess, the sweat, the fluids… the unnecessary and forced talk…

But you are different, aren't you?

You are not… the others.

And after all you've been through, he feels his mind nearly snap in half as he realises just how much he's still holding back with you.

Even something as simple as just staying still felt… tainted.

Slowly, he nods. 

And slowly, your lips turn into a tender smile that he's grown to adore beyond comprehension.

“I'll stay.”

You heave a deep sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

Astarion counters the impromptu detour with unmatched expertise, lowering his head and admiring just how eager your body is for him.

Before he drags his tongue along your folds, he slithers his hand down to reach for the front of his trousers, hurriedly undoing them.

It's his turn to sigh in relief as his cock is set free.

But now he misses the friction and the carpeted floor of your tent feels too rough.

His eyes roam around in search of something – anything – more comfortable.

And then he's caught off guard by your offer.

“Maybe this will help.”

A pillow.

He chuckles deviously, appreciating your creativity in moments such as these. Promptly, he takes it in his hand and positions it under him, his cock welcoming the soft surface.

“I adore that mind of yours,” he says cheekily.

You are about to voice a reply, but no word comes out when his tongue hits your entrance. 

Immediately, your hips buck and his smile never wavers.

He knows what you crave, but he will take his time even if you're already close to the edge.

After all, he's addicted to his devotion to you even if he never utters it out loud. He prefers his actions speak for themselves. Words are treacherous and deceiving. Actions speak louder.

And so he indulges in you. He indulges you, because that is what keeps him from reaching the frayed ends of his mind. 

You're what grounds him these days.

And he will ground you with him.

As such, he drags the tip along your folds, collecting your wetness and he only stops once it finds your clit.

A soft moan escapes your lips and he hopes you have it in you to keep it down so as to not wake the others. 

He locks eyes with you one last time. “Are you ready, darling?”

Your hips roll twice, but he knows you're not ready. You never are for the pleasure he offers to you so passionately. 

Another roll and he knows you're growing impatient, so he gives your clit a quick swipe of his tongue before he latches.

He doesn't begin suckling hard right away, as he needs to ensure he can steady you for what's to come. Both arms loop around your thighs and he allows his eyes to flutter shut, losing himself in you.

It amazes him how your body responds to him, and your hips try to find a desperate rhythm as if you're riding his cock.

The pillow under him provides enough friction for him to roll his own hips, eager to match your tempo.

He could feel the wetness drenching the fabric, but he can't bring himself to care.

Your hand finds his curls and he growls against your clit as you tug gently, but evidently craving more.

And more he gives you.

He's sucking more fiercely this time, taking his time to savour the swell in between his teeth. From this angle, he can feel your wetness coating his chin. He can't directly feel it, but he just knows you're clenching desperately around nothing.

Maybe he should take it slower.

Maybe he should pry you open with two of his fingers, even though you're wet enough to take a third one.

But the unexpected friction caused by the pillow is begging to edge him beyond belief.

Is it from the blood he drank? Is he just so ridiculously aroused? Why is your clit so swollen this time? Is it from his incessant suckles? 

His mind turns into haze and he decides he's not looking for any logical answers.

He simply allows his hips to move on their own accord, matching the face with each suckle.

“Astarion… Gods…” 

You're fortunate his mouth is kept busy, or he'd hurl a snarky reply. Gods have no place here. The delicacies of carnal bliss are reserved for those who tread the earth.

He's the only one who'd ever worship you, and you'd worship him right back, because that's how it's meant to be.

Precum drips from his tip at an alarming rate. He's too hard. He's too aroused. His body is seeking to be inside yours.

But he decided against it.

No.

He wants to see you unravel for him and in front of him.

His eyes open once again and he takes in the sight of your body undulating. Skin all flushed and eyes read to drop close as you near the precipice.

As always, his latch is impeccable. He never lets go and takes pride in leaving you dripping for him.

A few droplets run down his chin and dangle from it, bestowing upon him the most enticing silent praise he could ask for.

He knows you're close when your fingers close around his curls, desperately rocking your hips against him.

A low growl of approval rumbles in his chest and he's starting to struggle to keep his pace.

He has to find a way to still his hips before you reach your climax in fear you'll drag him along with you far too soon.

And so he does.

This time, he wants to see it.

He wants to see you as you come for him.

He's mostly perplexed that you found a way to muffle your moans, your shirt rolled up and captured in between your teeth, granting him the privileged view of your heaving breasts and hardened nipples.

Momentarily, his hips threaten to buck driven by pure instinct.

But he manages to hold back.

And when he's sure you're too far gone, head tilting back and legs shaking ever so slightly, does he unlatch from your clit.

He pulls back enough to witness the first sets of contractions course through your body. 

Wetness drips from his chin, and he can't tear his gaze from the mesmerising way your entrance clenches rhythmically before him.

He's felt those contractions many times. He is well aware of just how vicious and relentless they can be around his cock, never failing to draw every last drop of his cum deep inside you.

Your muffled cries and the way your hips still momentarily, are all he needs to get lost in his own pleasure again.

He props himself high enough to place his hips at the right angle, rolling them urgently against the soft fabric of the pillow.

He's so close… so deliciously close.

Your taste lingers on his tongue and the vision of you still writhing under him holds his gaze almost painfully.

Your fingers ease on his curls and he feels the familiar tightening of his balls warning him that he's about to reach the point of no return. 

It comes and overtakes his body so violently his mind blanks for a brief moment, as his mouth drops open.

He wants to groan and growl and hiss, but no sound comes out.

The friction is so overwhelming, he can't help but to lose balance, his lips finding your swollen clit once again.

And just like before, he latches instinctively and you try to jerk away from him, definitely being hit with a sting of oversensitivity. 

He comes undone, suckling on you harder than ever before.

Ropes of cum spill from him rhythmically, his own contractions taking over. He can feel the fabric underneath him drench with each thrust, and he vaguely wonders how much of it he still has left in him.

Your clit is now the only thing grounding him as he rides out his climax and, in the far corner of his hazy mind, he's thankful that you eased into him once again, granting him the solace he is seeking so desperately.

There's only so much he can withstand as his senses are flooded with overwhelming pleasure, and he finds himself unlatching and almost slumping against your lower abdomen.

He's spent.

Utterly spent.

He thinks he hears a tender giggle, but maybe it's simply his mind playing tricks on him.

With effort, he hoists himself along your body, collapsing, the side of his face resting against your stomach.

He wants to say something, but he's rendered silent by the aftershock of his climax.

And that's when he feels your fingers again, raking along his scalp and through unruly curls. 

“Are you leaving?”

He says nothing.

Your fingertips work their magic along his skin and he's sure you can lull him into a trance if you so wished. 

You're too powerful and he's too in love with you to care.

“Astarion.”

Your voice is low and sweet and he hums in return, arm wrapped around your waist.

“Can we stay like this for a while?”

Who's he to deny you of it? Or himself?

He's sweaty and his cock drenched in cum and precum and you're a mess yourself. Hardly the epitome of romance.

Or maybe he's wrong because when you bring a soft piece of cloth to his temple and drag it along his face, he suddenly gets it.

He finally understands why you want him to stay.

Why it makes sense.

His eyes flutter shut as he basks in your tenderness and adoration. 

You hum a soft tune under your breath, cleaning him up.

Face and neck first.

“Can you shift higher?” you ask.

He realises your intentions and lifts his head to stare at you.

“You don't have to.”

All you do is offer him a smile. Your smile. “I want to. Allow me, lover.”

No one has ever taken care of him. No one has ever bothered to. Not until you. 

He silently does what you asked, too stunned to come up with a clever tease.

His eyes flutter shut in what comes close to embarrassment. For some reason, he feels more exposed than ever when you wrap the cloth around his cock.

“Tell me if it gets too much,” you say, your voice but a whisper.

He immediately shakes his head. “Not with you.”

A hiss parts his lips as you tenderly take care of him.

Astarion rests his head just above your breast and 

“Do you wish to talk?” he asks.

Your lips find their way through his damp curls, placing a kiss atop his head.

“Do you want to?”

He chuckles, feeling his cock soften in your hand – definitely a first. “I fear I'm too drained to do so.”

“Silence it is,” you say and he feels your warm breath against his skin.

Not just any silence.

Comfortable silence.

The rare type old romance books mention in passing and that many seek to no avail.

But he's found it because he's found you.

Masterlist

[sodapopseagull]

Finally finished this 😭 Another @vannral fanart, this time for on these calm waters.

I can't reccomend vannral's bloodweave fics enough. They are emotional and sweet and have some of my favorite Gale and Astarion characterizations out there 💜💜💜 This particular scene at the bathhouse got me real good~ pre-relationship tenderness makes me feral

[morgana-ren]

i love angst, and i love your writing, but please, PLEASE, i beg you, could you write some hope of tav ever returning now that the imbecile, has realised the error of his ways 🥺😭 (either way, thank you so much, for all your astarion writtings, it has made me feel things, the angst is real and my masochistic heart loves it🥲)

First part of the story HERE

Common complaint I got on that one! So I fixed it just for y'all. This ending is much less sad and much more sappy, so here is the comfort you need after all that angst!

"Darling, will you smile for me? Just once more. Please--"

He feels her cheeks in his palms, the soft skin against his battle-hardened callouses. Desperation cradles his unbeating heart, and for a moment, the emotion is far too much. A searing flame after centuries of frost. A bonfire in a blizzard. It hurts-- it burns--

"My love, I just need you to--"

"Anything my lord, anything at all for you. Simply command me and I will do anything you ask."

"No, I can't-- I-- I won't do it. I won't. I won't!"

"My lord?"

Her head cocks, turning slowly to look upon him, but her eyes-- they are empty; beetle-black and hollow. Her smile is uncanny as a painted doll, her movements disjointed and inhuman. Her teeth are stained crimson with blood, dripping, dripping, ever dripping down, never swallowed, only pooling.

She is light as a feather as she slips away from him, her skin marbling into a sickly gray before ash spreads across her body as a disease, smearing her form into nothingness. Only her face is left untouched, pretty as porcelain, unflinching and unfalling save a small crack that splinters down from her forehead down to her eyes, revealing inky black abyss beneath.

"My lord-- Oh, my tender, vicious lord. I can feel your anguish-- your hunger. Devour me to be whole once more--"

Her blood smells of rot and she--

She is too far gone to save. Too far gone to ever be saved.

"I won't!"

Whirlwind. Pain. Confusion and dread and seeping anguish. A maelstrom of rage and all-consuming despair swelling from within his soul—

—his soul?

The world around him falls away, a wicked tornado thrashing him about, his mind howling in the eternal winds--

And suddenly he is in a chair.

Not a throne. A chair— and a rather uncomfortable one at that.

"What in the hells—"

His vision spins, nausea curling his gut into a wicked tide of sickness barely restrained by his teeth. He tastes stale blood crawling up his throat, threatening to overturn onto the faded rug beneath him.

"Did you see what you wished for, little spawn?"

The voice takes him by surprise. It is not hers, but another, less familiar voice. The wailing animal in his head retreats to a dull roar as his memory creeps back. A brightly colored tent assaults his vision, piecemeal rugs and odd, foreign trinkets abound on makeshift shelves, and before him sits a strange old woman, hood pulled heavy over her straggling gray hair.

"I-- What was that?"

He sees her cracked, aging lips upturn, gnarled hands placed protectively over a strange orb on the table touching his knees. "I have shown you your future, vampling. Was it to your liking?" Panic rises within his stomach again, and though he does not breathe, he clutches his chest. The smell of incense clogs his nostrils and again, the wave of sick threatens to spill forth. Wretched taste of metallic, aged blood sits heavy on his tongue, all sensation too much-- all of it too much.

"No-- No, that cannot be it!"

"This is your path, Pale Elf. The road you walk. The power you seek is well within your grasp, but as I told you before, it will cost you everything."

He vehemently shakes his head, denying it. Denying it before her and all the Gods.

"You told me upon entry that no price was too great for your reward. Do you still agree with this sentiment?"

"No! Not-- not her. Not her. Not that! I couldn't--"

"You can and you shall, sure as the moon follows the sun. You will have everything you ever wanted, but cost of this ritual is plain before you. You cared not for the many souls left to your mercy that are crushed beneath your tyrannical fist in your ascension, but what of the sole one that resides in your heart?"

Her. The light of his life. The air he breathes. The sun on his frigid flesh, the warmth that melts his icy heart.

"No," He hisses, trying to stand, but ultimately unable to muster the strength. "I won't! There-- There must be another way. Show me!"

"There is no other way," She says, solemnly. "It is inevitable."

He swallows down the information like a boulder lodged in his gullet. Her words echo endlessly in his mind, bouncing off the walls and lodging shards of ice directly in his soul.

"What if I-- What if I don't ascend? Tell me, what if I don't?"

She smiles again, teeth flashing through her thin lips. "That is another path, little elf." "I need to know. I-- I need certainty. I won't do this to her, but I--" He pauses, grappling with everything in his mind, desperately flitting about to absorb it all. "If I am going to forgo this, I need to be certain. I need to know that I can protect her, that she will be safe--"

But the woman simply shakes her head.

"Everyone must choose. For some, the path is dark, but for you, you see more than most will ever have the comfort of knowing. I can offer you nothing more. Should you initiate the Rite, you know this will come to pass. I can tell you nothing more if you choose to not. The future is yet unwritten, and the quill resides in your hands." "Then why can I not have both!" He slams a fist on the table, clawing at the soft wood. For the first time in ages, tears prick at his pale lashes and frustration wells a knot in his throat. "Why--" "Because one path is wholly your own, while the other is a tangled web, such is the nature of deals with the Hells. You will get everything you ever wanted and lose everything that made it worth having."

His head slumps, defeated and miserable. Silvery tears slide down the curves of his cheeks, even as he attempts to bite them back. He thought he would find comfort in knowing the future, but all it has given him is utter horror.

"Despair not," She continues. "Yes, you will wither under the sun, an eternally cursed dweller of the night, but all is not lost, is it? The one you love, will she stray from your side?" "I wanted her to have better than that," He sniffles, needling his lip with a fang. "I cannot brave the sun, but her-- She deserves better than that-- better than me."

"And what of what she feels?"

His brows furrow, and he peers up at the woman from tear-beaded lashes.

"You are a night walker; it is in your nature to be selfish. But love is not selfish, little vampling. You must fight your nature, your inherent self-loathing, or your love will always find the fire. What of what she desires?"

"She loves me," He says with absolute certainty. "And I--" "Do you love her?"

"Yes," He hisses, almost insulted that she would ask. "More than anything. I'm here, aren't I?"

"Then the rest matters naught. If you love her, you will allow her the agency to choose-- something you deny her as an ascendent. You must grow past your own follies. To love is to be vulnerable, and you must allow both yourself and her this freedom."

They are hard words to swallow, and yet, he feels the truth resound in them. She would not leave his side, even as he tried to force her to understand. Even as an instrument of his manipulation and schemes came to light, she stood steadfast with him, hand entwined in his, ready to face the fire together.

"I-- I need to know she will be safe."

Again, the woman shakes her head. "You cannot. You must fight fate if you wish to overturn it. You face dire odds, though throwing the dice in your favor now will doom you later should this outcome be the confirmation of your fears."

He sighs, face crinkling as he sniffs once more, summoning the willpower to swallow down the agony of his choice. He finds the strength in his legs to push himself upward from the chair, weak and shaking as a newborn fawn as he does so. "I will do whatever I need to. Anything."

"Then you may yet see this through."

He can hear the fanfare of the circus outside, the bawdy bards strumming away on their lutes and banging on drums, the elated screams of the children and their parents. Facing the light now seems impossible, but he must find his way home to her-- he has to be with her now now now--

"The coin first, boy."

He snaps out of his delirium only long enough to fish his hands into one of his pockets, bringing out a coin. Aged and neglected, the sinister engraving of a skull peers up at him from his palm, ruby eyes gleaming in the light as he tosses it into the woman's knobbily-jointed hands.

"Best of luck to you, night-child," She tucks it away. "We may yet meet again." "No offense, but I hope not."

"Me too, Little Star."

He pays little mind to the bustling streets and bursting taverns of Baldur's Gate, his feet carrying him back to camp as swiftly as his body will allow. It takes him until sundown even as he damn near jobs, ripping through the tree line and into the ruins with the intensity of a man starved.

"Astarion!" Karlach greets him, trying to wave him over. "I've got a bet with Gale about--" "Where is she?" Astarion immediately cuts her off, looking around frantically.

"Who?" Karlach raises a brow.

"Who else?" Wyll crosses his arms, looking intrigued at Astarion's intensity.

"Oh! In her tent, I think. Why? Gotcha a special something' in town for her, eh?" Karlach tries to rib at him, but he pushes past her without a second glance.

"Bet it's a fancy new dress he needs to tear off of her immediately," Karlach rolls her eyes before returning to her business.

He bursts into her tent to find her hunched over a book, tongue poking from between her teeth, as she scans over the page. This only lasts a few seconds before he scrambles onto the bed, squeezing her as tightly as he can manage, burying his nose into her hair, tears brimming in his eyes once more.

"Woah, hey!" She laughs, carefully setting her book aside, trying to discern what in the hells he is mumbling endlessly into her neck.

Need you-- need you-- love you-- can't lose you-- don't ever--

She hushes him, realizing something has gone terribly, terribly wrong, kissing his head and tugging him close. "Hey, what's wrong?"

She tries to cup his cheeks and bring his face up but he adamantly refuses, hard-swallowing the urge to bawl into her shoulder with every ounce of willpower he has. All he can manage is to cling to her, half sobbing, visions of that terrible future swimming in his head. He cannot let it come to pass, he will not--

And she holds him, cradling him in her arms, hushing him gently. Her face creases with worry, running her hands through his silvery hair as he pulls him into her lap.

"Little Star, what's wrong? You seem so upset. What can I do to make you happy, my love?"

"Is it done?" Ulma leans down as she enters the tent, carefully dodging the intricate tassels of the blanket strewn over the entryway.

"It is," The strange old woman replies, still rubbing the coin with her worn thumb.

"And?"

"I showed him nothing but truth," She says quietly. "I did not manipulate his vision. Only channeled it."

"That tells me nothing. I need to know if our children are safe."

"I cannot tell you this, Ulma. You know of the ways of our tribe; our relationship with these magics." Ulma's lips purse, her exasperation evident in her humorless expression. "I need to know--"

"His reaction was genuine. That was not my doing. He knows the price of power. I cannot tell you if he will pay it regardless," The old woman's head lifts, a slight mischievous smile playing on her lips. "But I can tell you what I think."

"And what do you think?"

"I have seen his soul-- the heart of it. I believe you will see our children yet. He will spare our heart to spare his own in kind. It beats in that woman," Her eyes twinkle in the low candlelight, a genuine smile widening across her cheeks. "I believe he can find redemption yet."

[mclarenviolet]

Sunlight

Astarion x GN!Reader

Warnings: Reference to past trauma, just a lovesick vampire sharing his feelings 💘

WC: 400+

A/N: Inspired by @lokasxnna and Sunlight by Hozier, you can find the moodboard here ☀️ I truly could spend eternity writing soft/tender moments for this man 🥺

Astarion's steps fall softly upon the forest floor, the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves overhead casting patterns on the ground. You walk beside him in quiet companionship, the two of you navigating the winding paths with ease whilst the others keep pace a few dozen yards ahead. With every step, the tension in his shoulders seems to loosen, as if the gentle embrace of the ancient forest has a soothing effect on him.

After a while, Astarion's voice breaks through the peaceful silence, lacking it's usual sardonic edge. "I've missed this.", his sharp eyes glancing towards the canopy above.

"Missed what?" you inquire with genuine curiousity.

"The sunlight," he admits, a hint of nostalgia threading his words. "I spent two centuries trapped in darkness, unable to bear the sun's touch. It's... odd how something so simple, something mortals often take for granted, could be a luxury I yearned for so desperately."

You nod, allowing him to continue. His words seem to flow like a long-held secret finally being unburdened.

"The memories of honeyed rays, of warmth on my skin, they taunted me endlessly whilst I remained under Cazador's influence," Astarion confesses, his voice carrying a vulnerability rarely heard from the elegant vampire. "But now, thanks to this accursed tadpole, I can finally feel it again. The sensation of sunlight on my face, the way it warms my skin, it feels as if I've been given a second chance."

A soft smile touches your lips as you listen, understanding the weight of his words. The forest around you seems to echo his sentiments, the gentle rustling of leaves like a symphony of empathy.

Astarion glances at you, his expression revealing a depth of emotion he rarely allows himself to show. "I'm glad you're here with me," he admits, his crimson eyes meeting yours. "Being able to share this newfound freedom with you, it's something I never imagined possible."

The two of you walk on, the breeze ruffling your hair and carrying Astarion's words through the air. With every step, the forest seems to come alive, embracing both of you in its tranquility and allowing Astarion to rediscover a part of himself he thought he had lost forever.

As the sun begins its descent, casting a warm golden hue across the landscape, Astarion's fingers brush against yours, a silent reassurance that he cherishes this moment. He can't help but find himself hoping that one day he'll gather the courage to tell you just how much he cherishes every moment he spends with you. You both find solace in each other's company amidst the whispering leaves and glowing sunset, basking in the light that had eluded Astarion for far too long.

A/N: Thank you so so much for reading! The comments/tags you've left on my other Astarion fics have left me smiling like a fool, appreciate all the love and support 😭💕

[strawberrypinky]

siri, play “gorgeous” by taylor swift.

We'd better survive this, because I never want to stop doing that.

[blkgirl-writing]

I love your touch starved Gale so much 😭❤️ honestly it's so tender and yum haha

Do you have an A-Z/Alphabet NSFW thing for Gale??? 🙏

I do now!!! I totally forgot abut Alphabet stuff, if ya'll want one for every character let me know, I'm working on Astarion right now!

Gale Dekarios NSFW alphabet (x reader)

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

Gale is kind and caring, he will always make sure you get what you need before he really relaxes. Sex isn't over for him until you're taken care of, aftercare is a part of the sexual experience to him.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

Creampie every time, though after eating you out he has stopped to cum on your thighs.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self-explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

Not that much of a secret since anyone who looked at his underwear knows, it's self jerk off underwear. Honestly I think he's used them during battle when you look extra hot. Trying really hard not to show that he's pleasuring himself.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

Gale is fairly experenced, having a few mortal hookups/relationships and obviously a long fling with Mystra that left him a bit sexually traumatized (and generally very traumatized). He's had enough sex to know what he wants but still open to try new things.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Side fucking is his favorite for sure, it's easy to get away with while camping with the others as well. Also plowing you from behind while you lay on your stomach is a favorite, as he can kiss your neck or hold down your waist.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

Very serious. Once he gets in that mood there's no getting him out of it.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

He's trimmed for your pleasure, otherwise he'd definitely just forget.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

Gale is a great mix of romantic, passionate, and filthy. Everything does hand in hand very well, he can absolutely run a train through you in astral protections with gangbanging you with literally just clones of himself, but he will still whisper sweet and romantic things, still check if you need to stop or if anything is too much.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Gale cry jerks like all the time lmao. Guilty masturbation is something he has mastered. Thinking about you before you get sexually involved? he will feel guilty.

How he jerks off is two different ways. The only way he can really cum is by grinding on something, his hand, the bed, his enchanted underwear, etc... But he doesn't need to cum. So he also jerks off with his hand behind the rocks near the beach in act 1s camp.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

This is gonna be a hear-me-out kind of situation.

Semi public sex kink. in front of windows, on balconies, middle of the forrest, etc.

lil bit of a jealousy thing, leaves hickies on your neck to show that ya'll fuck good.

he wouldn't do anything to harm you, so anything thats too 'harsh" is a no no for Gale.

thigh fucking kink?

sweaty kink?? cause battling? that whole speech was one of the most sexually charged things I have read.

lil bit of a breeding kink, not with actually getting pregnant, but definitely the deep creampies and keeping his cum in you.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

Gale cannot WAIT to fuck you in every single inch of his tower. Whenever he pictures fucking you, he pictures you in his home. It's kinda romantic.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

Honestly, any glance at you will get him going. Like an instant hard on. If he looks at you too long, boner. if he looks at your thighs or butt? Boner. Slightly low cut top? Boner. Battling? Boner.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

He would never do anything to hurt you, the most he'd do is wax play.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

Giving. This man GIVES. He fucks to serve. He wants your pleasure, he doesn't cum til you do, no matter what. If that means he won't cum, then he won't cum. If he could spend all day between your legs he would.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

Sensual but fast and hard. This man pounds.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

He hadn't ever been able to not last a while before you, now, he can actually do quickies, which infatuates him for a while so you have a lot of quickies for a time. But usually everything lasts an hour or so.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

Gale is down to try just about anything you'd want, but he definitely already knows what he likes most.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

Shockingly he can go for awhile. He will need to just lay for a while because he definitely isn't made for long sessions, he just ignores his knee and back pain for you until he absolutely can't.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

We all know he will, can, and has used magic hand during sex. Does copies of him count as toys as well?

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Gale isn't one to tease much. Verbally, sometimes, yes, telling you how hot you are, how good you look, etc, while having no time to slip away to fuck.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

I feel like Mystra wanted him silent, so he's working on getting more vocal during sex. But he doesn't moan loudly, sometimes whimpers or gasps.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

Gale absolutely reads smut. We know this kinda from his diagram books basically, but I think he has a whole bookshelf dedicated to smut. His favorite being wlw.

X = X-ray��(let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Said this before but honestly? I watched something and that dick that was shown just screamed Gale to me, so I'm revising my HC and saying Gale is 7 inches, girthy, and curved upwards and slightly to the left, it absolutely fucks. Like tied with best dick of the group, tied with Wyll and his ribbed cock.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Gales sex drive is very dependant on you. If he's thinking about you or around you? very high. On his own? slightly above average.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

Depends. After a long fuck, literally instantly after he checks to see if you need anything. after astral fucking he feels energized, after a quickie he feels a bit tired but fine overall.

-

-

@shyminnie07 @makers-breath @claryvoyantfray @black-sapphic @fapqueen

(Consider supporting me on Ko-fi)

[yourdailyangel]

THIS IS TRASH IM SORRY BABIES 😭

🩷✨How gale and Astarion hold their s/o hand (personal opinion<3)✨🩷

🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

Gale✨: Ah yes everyone's favorite magic vacuum<3

°i feel like gale would be tender in his hand holding!

°Softly placing kisses upon your hand

°Using his thumb to draw soft circles across your hand your hand

🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

Astarion♥️: Our little sassy vamp!!

°Honestly I feel MAYBE he would be a little hesitant to do it!

°Only because he never really had anyone he cared this deeply for so when he finally does .... He adores it!

°its a small gesture to many but for him? It is a comfort!

°it let's him know your ACTUALLY there and not some cold cruel dream.

°also depending on if he's ascended his hand holding becomes SLIGHTLY possessive.

°"You are MINE darling, remember?"

[baldurs-writers-3]

Fluff: A Baldur's Gate 3 Rec List

This week, we have Fluff Fics!  Check under the cut for 12 fics that include a lot of soft love and gentle comfort, and as always, comment and kudos if you like them!

Baldur's Fairytales by CobaltCactus (2899,Teen) Warnings: Nothing triggering in here! Pairings: Lae'zel/Shadowheart

A short shadowzel fic inspired by old fairytales and such.

Reccer says: PLEASE WHAT ISNT THERE TO LIKE ABOUT IT. ITS ADORABLE I LOVE IT AND IT MADE ME TEAR UP 😭. Anyways, it reads like it was actually written years ago as a precautionary tale without the precautions. It's so fucking sweet and I JUST CANNTTT UGHHHHHHHGG

Covert Kindnesses by brewstersbru (1938,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Astarion/Halsin

In which Astarion is secretly nice and Halsin is exceedingly (annoyingly) observant.

Reccer says: I'm a sucker for Astarion pretending to be a jerk while also secretly being incredibly kind

Halving the Grief by Ineffable_Hannigram (2035,General) Warnings: Themes of grief and healing Pairings: Astarion & Arebella, Astarion/Halsin

Arebella seeks comfort in an unlikely candidate.

Reccer says: It's just very soft and sweet

Cat Burglars by AbigailMoment (5007,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Astarion/Tav, Tav/Halsin

Astarion and Staeve get polymorphed into cats. Now Halsin has to make sure they don't get themselves killed

Reccer says: Now there's literal fluff! But also just lots of sweet tender care in the form of cats and their druid

Glad Tidings by partingxshot (25638,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Astarion/Wyll (Baldur's Gate)

A choose your own adventure fic staring... Ulder Ravengard?! Astarion is his son-in-law to be - he hates this, can the miracle of midwinter solve the family strife?!

Reccer says: its fucking hilarious and you can mock Ulder mercilessly via bad decisions. ALSO THE FESTIVE HAT.

It's the world that falls away from me by Whumper (381,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Astarion/Halsin

Halsin's blood is so yummy that Astarion basically goes into subspace lol

Reccer says: So very soft and light and good

Owlbear Vignettes by BlackjackKent (2062,General) Warnings: None Pairings: None

Buddy the owlbear cub, and his adventures in camp with his new family.

Reccer says: Pure, unadulterated FLUFF of the highest quality

Gentle Hands by onlymine139 (7415,Explicit) Warnings: None Pairings: Astarion/Halsin/Tav

Astarion returns to camp after a long day in Baldur's Gate and Tavara is nowhere to be found. He finds her and Halsin together relaxing by the river and has to decide whether or not he should tell them how he feels.

Reccer says: A good blend of fluff and smut, very sweet with lots of soft moments.

Bouquet of the Frontiers by Tavylia_Sin (5796,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Wyll & Friends

Wyll tries to spend the tiefling party off on his own. His friends decide they would much rather adorn him in flowers and affirmations instead.

Reccer says: Very sweet. The found family vibes are impeccable

A Sweet Escapade by QueenOfCats135 (4484,General) Warnings: None Pairings: None

Mattis needs to find a way to celebrate Silfy's birthday. Hijinks ensue.

Reccer says: Just a fun little romp with a bunch of sticky fingered kids

Kvitravn by Mellybaggins (3120,Teen) Warnings: Injury Pairings: Gale/Tav

When Laileth is injured in a fight, Gale takes it upon himself to teach her some protective magic, to mixed results. In the process, the two friends find out their relationship could become something more.

Reccer says: It's sweet and playful and fun to read.

Dancing in The Dark by justmightyshadows (703,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Karlach/Lae'zel, Shadowheart/Karlach, Shadowheart/Halsin

Karlach returns from the hells and notices that feelings might still be lingering from a past relationship.

Reccer says: I liked it!

The above fanfic recommendations were pulled from our community for this weekly event. Have any questions about what this is? Check out the FAQ!

Next week, we’ll be back with Character Study Fics!

[astarionposting]

yesssss another ascendant astarion tragedy enjoyer, the whole situation is so juicy narratively imo. i think both endings are really important to understanding the character as a whole (true of every character in bg3, rly).

like. the theme of trust is so compelling in astarion’s romance arc, and the fact that the two routes handle his fear of weakness and being known in completely disparate ways is. so yummy. spawn astarion comes to a point where he understands that love does mean that someone will see the tender, raw parts of you and you have to trust them with that, the same way they’ll trust you with theirs. ascendant astarion veers in the opposite direction—the only way he “trusts” his lover is to have complete control over them. he assumes a role again, a mask that only slips in anger or frustration. he may never be open or vulnerable again. ascending seals away that part of astarion for the sake of “safety”, trading chains for a gilded cage of his own making.

like, that’s fascinating?? so sad that discourse has made the whole spawn/ascension thing a landmine 😭😭

EXACTLY! I love your analysis of it!

Honestly I feel like it is almost a disrespect when 'fans' say you cannot enjoy the 'evil' endings for any of the companions. Like obviously I don't actually want to see them suffer, but the WRITING is something to praise. There was SO MUCH hard work and passion put into writing these stories and characters, and we should be able to discuss it/appreciate it without worrying so much about being called 'morally bad' for doing something in a VIDEO GAME.

Not every story is going to be sunshine and rainbows, not everyone is going to get a happy ending, and that is what makes it fun! Evil characters can be fun! Tragic endings can be FUN (just look at CP2077, there is no 'good ending' for anyone in Night City, but it is still SO FUN).

You can appreciate it without condoning the behaviour in real life, which, like I said, I think a lot of people struggle with that separation, especially when they get really attached to a character.

What isn't fun is judging or claiming someone is a bad person because of a choice they made in a video game... like yeah in fallout 4 I nuked the entire institute and everyone inside, including my own son... but like obviously i'm not going to do that in real life?? LOL

[sarehime]

Thinking about a fanart that Karlach kissing Astarion’s wound… I want this fanart be so special and want to show their tenderness and vulnerability for each other, maybe I will draw a twin piece that Astarion kissing Karlach’s bosom, right on her engine.. Aaa I have to find good references for those two fanart 😭

[sorcerous-caress]

I'm not huge on kids or parent HCs usually but your parent headcanons were so so cute I was tearing up a bit 😭❤️

- Tressym Anon (gonna start signing since this is the second ask I've sent- hope that's alright!)

Thank you so much <3 Aaaa writing it was very fun honestly, imagining the companions being silly and their different dynamics with their kids is entertaining.

Also yes it's definitely alright! Imma add you to the anon list.

Like I think the ones who were most deprived of love would be the ones to show it the most, be tender and really affectionate with their kids like karlach, Astarion and Shadowheart. Sure it might be out of character but that's the point, being a parent changes you as a person since your life won't just belong to you anymore.

For Laezel and Minthara, i feel like they will struggle with showing affectionate, as much as they want to he the loving parent, they will leave that job to you after failing so many times. Instead they fall more on the protective and fair side, they give their kids the courtsy they'd extend to adults, they don't treat them as lesser than them or incapable, they treat them as future adults yet still keep their limitations in mind.

Wyll, and Gale fall under the "was spoiled growing up and now spoils their kids" category. At least Wyll shows some restraint, mostly his kids think he is the coolest person ever so they listen to him. Meanwhile Gale thinks his kids are the coolest people ever so he listens to them and enables them a lot, lets them spend past their monthly allowance and makes them midnight waffles.

Halsin also ends up spoiling his kids, but less of a human material way and more of an elf way if it makes sense? It's honestly hard to tell if he is even spoiling them by elf standards since they coddle their kids by default until they're 100 years old. So Halsin might just end up treating them as his precious baby children even after they grow up. Whenever they get into trouble they go to him because they know he will take their side and minimize their faults to you, saying they're just kids not above their 50 years of age so go easy on them.

Bonus Durge, they would completely spoil their kids but also take them on their "job" and just carry around a newborn in those chest straps and a toddler on a leash as they go on a murder spree.

"Timmie, stop playing with the guy's dismembered arm. It's not hygienic. We don't know where it's been!" Durge turns back to face the guy they've been preferoming a vivisection on, "ah no offence to you of course, you know kids- TIMMIE I SWEAR TO BHAAL PUT THAT OUT OF YOUR MOUTH, WE ONLY CANNABLISE DISINFECTED MEAT."

Grandpa Sarevok and papa bhaal babysit maybe

[bardic-inspo]

Thanks for the follow, we're mutuals now :3 It's always nice to meet a fellow bard. Also, Karlach/Shadowheart? NEED!

Yeeeeaaaaah, new moots, high five!!!

(Also, I forgot I had started this in my drafts my apologies 😭 Thank you so much for sending this in <3 <3)

[Ask me about a fic on my WIP List]

My Karlach/Shadowheart ditty is still mostly brackets and bullet points in my WIPs folder, but I'm looking forward into making more words out of it one day soon! I'll ramble about it a little in the meantime.

Working title is "Absence", Shadowheart POV. Set in Act 2, just after Karlach's gotten her touch-enabling engine tune-up, but before Shadowheart's completed the Gauntlet of Shar. (Technically set in the same universe as my Astarion/Tav longfic, but they're busy off in the background, hehe). Shadowheart has gradually come out of her shell, and finds herself often acting on instincts that run contrary to Sharran teachings as she grows closer to the other tadfools. She's reprimanded by the sharp pain in the scar on her hand each time, but that hasn't stopped her from forming those friendships.

Those feelings grow stronger even as the Gauntlet of Shar and everything she's ever wanted/trained for sits just on the horizon. She finds herself acting on another want, another instinct, without thinking: when Karlach can finally touch again, Shadowheart pays her a nighttime visit.

And after, when Shadowheart is alone again, it's a whole war inside her head :( Here's a little snippet from a (very) rough draft of the angsty afterwards piece:

Shadowheart’s braid is loose where Karlach’s claws knotted in it. It weighs against her back, suddenly heavy as an anchor. Frantically, she wrenches the chain free, knuckling through the snarls until dark, tangled waves hang past her shoulders. But Shadowheart still wants to cut it. All of it. Every inch Karlach clutched.  Maybe then, she’d be free of this chill setting in where there was heat on her skin only moments ago. She would wear the day’s sweat instead of budding gooseflesh. Maybe then, she’d smell only of spent effort and not of smokey sweetness mingled in her mouth with the taste of dry wine. Maybe the only pain would be in the scar hissing against her hand. There would be no tender ache between her thighs. There would be no loss of what she never had.  It’s a gift, the old mantra echoes faintly in her mind. Absence is a gift. Shadowheart’s fingernails scrape her own scalp. Harder than the feathered flame of Karlach’s fingertips. Hard enough to wet her lashes and set a tear free down her cheek. So gentle. Why was she gentle? Shadowheart thinks desperately. Why couldn’t it have hurt then, so it didn’t have to now?

[imagineitdearies]

Hi! I recently came across this poem from Natalie Wee and damn if it isn't early Tystar:

Reasons not to kiss him:

1. you weren't raised to love tender.

2. when he's around all you do is tremble. when he's around you want to get on your knees. look how much power he has over you. it's dangerous.

3. he's too good at forgiving and you're too good at violence.

4. you know what they say about monsters. you know what happens to the boys who love them. are you going to do that to him?

5. your hands don't know how to be gentle. think about the last beautiful thing that shattered in your palms. the fresh rosebuds crumbling between your fingers like a bruise. you wolf-boy, you war machine. you wouldn't know how to hold something magic and not destroy it.

6. if you hurt him it might kill you

7. if you hurt him you might kill yourself.

8. you are very bad at rehabilitation. this is one addiction you'd fail to give up. he's going to ruin you for all other kisses and all other boys and you'll spend the rest of your life trying to forget his name.

9. you still aren't sure he isn't a dream.

10. if you kiss him, you might wake up.

Reasons to kiss him:

1. because he's beautiful.

2. because he asked.

3. because he preceded please with, i'm not afraid of you.

(Even down to the wolf! I find it so beautiful so in any case, I wanted to share it)

Hi hello, how've you been? 🥰

Okay but DAMN. OUCH. You hurt me so hard with this ask and pointing out the similarity, thanks 😭🙏

This is exactly Astarion's brain right up until they kiss the second time. Poor man was going through it.

I just started making a list of my favorite lines but realized it was basically every line 🤣 So yeah, wow. Every time I've re-read this it blows my mind all over again. Thank you so much!!!